The role.
You will design and run category creation engagements — the work of defining a new category, naming it, and running the six-month launch sequence that lets the client own the rules of the game. The engagements are 18–24 months in duration, are run on the firm’s five-phase operating model, and produce measurable category leadership by the end of the first year.
You will own the category book, the press cycle, the analyst cycle, the buyer cycle, and the reference cadence. The role is owner-driven: you carry the P&L of the engagement, the cadence, and the public record.
You will be measured on.
- Category voice. The client is cited in 50%+ of the category’s analyst reports within 12 months, and the client’s category language is used by 3+ competitors within 18 months.
- Buyer recognition. 60%+ of the client’s ICP recognizes the new category within 12 months, and the client is the buyer’s first reference in 40%+ of strategic sales conversations.
- Reference cadence. The client has 8+ named reference customers by the end of month 12, with quarterly check-ins and an annual case study cadence.
You will have.
- 7+ years operating at a category leader, a top-tier strategy consultancy, or both.
- Led at least 1 category creation engagement end to end, including the six-month launch sequence.
- Built and maintained an analyst relations cadence across 3+ major analyst firms.
- Experience presenting to and defending category decisions in front of a CEO and a board.
- Operated in at least 2 of the firm’s four industries.
To apply.
Send a one-page cover letter and a CV to careers@coastalvanguard.org with the subject line “Lead, Category Design — [your name].” Include one category book you have authored. We respond to every application within 5 business days.
Coastal Vanguard is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category.